Driving License for Foreigners in Indonesia 2026
Driving in Indonesia requires proper licensing. Here's what foreigners need to know about getting legal to drive.
Do You Need a License?
What License Do You Need?
How long are you staying in Indonesia?
License Types
Indonesian Driving Licenses (SIM)
Types available to foreigners
| Feature | SIM A Car license | SIM C Motorcycle license | SIM B1 Truck/bus | IDP International permit |
|---|
| Vehicle | Cars, SUVs | Scooters, motorcycles | Large vehicles | Per home license |
| Requirements | KITAS + 17+ | KITAS + 17+ | KITAS + experience | Valid home license |
| Validity | 5 years (max) | 5 years (max) | 5 years | 1 year |
| Cost | ~IDR 250K | ~IDR 150K | ~IDR 250K | Varies by country |
Getting Indonesian SIM (KITAS Holders)
Application Process
Getting Your Indonesian SIM
Process for foreigners with KITAS
1
2
3
4
5
Document Checklist
SIM Application Documents
0 of 6 completed0/5 required
The Driving Test
Written Test
The written test is:
- 30 questions (approximately)
- Multiple choice
- Available in English (usually)
- Must pass with 70%+
- Covers traffic rules, signs, safety
Study the basics - it's not difficult!
Practical Test
| Test | Vehicle | What's Tested |
|---|
| SIM A | Your car or provided | Figure 8, parking, road |
| SIM C | Provided scooter | Figure 8, slalom, balance |
International Driving Permit (IDP)
What is an IDP?
An IDP is a translation of your home country license, not a separate license.
You must:
- Have valid home country license
- Carry both IDP AND original license
- Obey local laws
Getting an IDP
Get your IDP before coming to Indonesia:
| Country | Where to Get |
|---|
| USA | AAA offices |
| UK | Post Office |
| Australia | AAA, RACV |
| Canada | CAA offices |
| EU | Local authority |
Cost: Usually $15-50
IDP Validity in Indonesia
- Technically valid for short stays
- Police may or may not accept it
- Insurance may have issues
- Motorcycle class must be specified
- Best used as backup, not primary
The Reality on the Road
What actually happens:
- Many tourists ride scooters without proper license
- Police sometimes stop foreigners
- Fine: ~IDR 250K-500K (negotiable)
- Insurance claims can be denied without license
- Accidents can be complicated
Recommendation: Get proper licensing for peace of mind.
If Stopped by Police
- Stay calm and polite
- Show documents
- If no license, fine is likely
- Don't argue
- Ask for receipt (tilang)
Scooter Rental Without License
Most rental shops don't check licenses. However:
Risks
| Risk | Consequence |
|---|
| Police stop | Fine IDR 250-500K |
| Accident | Insurance may not cover |
| Serious accident | Potential legal issues |
| Injury to others | Liability unclear |
Insurance Note
Most travel insurance policies require:
- Valid license for the vehicle type
- Following local laws
Without proper license, claims may be denied.
Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Medical certificate | IDR 150-300K |
| SIM A (car) | IDR 250K |
| SIM C (motorcycle) | IDR 150K |
| Extension | IDR 100-200K |
| Test retake | IDR 50-100K |
Tips for Foreigners
- Get SIM C if riding scooters - Worth the peace of mind
- Bring home license - May help with testing
- Go to Denpasar SAMSAT - Most foreigner-friendly in Bali
- Arrive early - Lines can be long
- Bring Indonesian speaker - Helpful but not required
- Practice the test course - Watch others first
- Be patient - Bureaucracy takes time
Common Questions
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